Stop Feeling Unnecessarily Guilty by Imagining a Rational Punishment

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Use logic against your guilt.

When we’re rational about rule-breaking we set a limit. You don’t get 30 years in prison for a traffic ticket. But sometimes you sentence yourself to months or years of emotional pain over minor offenses... But with guilt, we’re often irrational. How can we know if we’re being rational? Look at the intensity, duration and consequences of the negative emotions you feel. Are they appropriate? Probably not.

Sometimes guilt is a good motivator to let us know we’ve done something wrong. If you forget your anniversary, sure, maybe spend a day making it up. However, if you did something so minor that the person you’re worried about offending is already over it, try not to go out of your way to beat yourself up.